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Certificate of Territorial Pioneer of California Signed by S

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:1,400.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Certificate of Territorial Pioneer of California Signed by S

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Auction Date:2009 Jun 24 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Location:6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
approx. 9.5" x 12" with worn gold seal, no. 80, for General Joseph W. Revere, in the Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California, headquartered, of course, in New York City. Signed J.A. Sutter as president of the association. Organized in 1875, General Revere's certificate was issued in 1878, with a registered date of arrival in California as June 1846. To be a member, one had to have arrived in California prior to 1850. All Mexican War veterans were also eligible.

Although he tried to keep the discovery of gold on the land where he intended to build a sawmill quiet, word eventually got out. John Augustus Sutter (1803-1880) had effectively started the Gold Rush to California. Sutter was more interested in farming and constructing his mill than in mining. He bought up as much land as he could around his intended location for construction of the mill to prevent mining from disrupting its operation rather than to "stake his own claim," but the masses of gold seekers overran his land and destroyed everything he built up. He died nearly broke, although his son, John Jr., became wealthy, although not in minerals, but rather by exploiting the commercial possibilities of the region, establishing the town of Sacramento.

Joseph Warren Revere (1812-1880) was a grandson of Paul Revere and named for Revolutionary War doctor and general Joseph Warren. Born in Boston, at sixteen, he joined the Navy. He served in the Second Seminole War, and later the Mexican War. Although he saw little action in Florida, he is credited with pulling down the Bear Flag and raising the American flag over Sonoma. (The bear and star later were incorporated in the official state flag which became official in 1911 and was redesigned slightly in 1953.) He left the Navy in 1850, settled in California, and joined the Mexican Army. After receiving a knighthood in the Order of Isabella the Catholic, Revere retired again and moved to New Jersey.

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Revere tried to join the Navy, but was discouraged by his navy friends. He found more acceptance in the Army and became colonel of the 7th New Jersey. He fought in the Peninsula Campaign, Seven Days Battle, Second Manassas, where he received a commendation for bravery; he was present at Fredericksburg, but saw little action. His most embarrassing moment came when he found himself suddenly in command of the 3rd Corps when Hiram Berry was mortally wounded. He ordered his troops to "advance to the rear" - about 3 miles - which he later maintained was an "effort to regroup." He was court-martialed and dismissed, but Lincoln allowed him to resign instead. After this he started traveling and writing. In poor health for some time, he died in New Jersey at the age of 67. 

Condition: Heavily toned, especially along edges, margins chipped with some paper loss. Gilding worn from seal.